Algarve Pop: 500,000

A region in south Portugal, Algarve has an extensive coastline with many (approximately 100) fetching beaches.

For the past 30-40 years the area has increased significantly its tourist trade as a result of its benevolent
weather and natural attractions which include warm ocean waters even during the winter months.

Moving inland into the plains area of this region one encounters many varied species of trees and eye-catching birds. The surroundings are aromatic with floral scents, especially orange blossoms, and carpet flowers.

Further inward the plains yield to the foothills and mountains of Algarve, and the remains of Roman terraces that survived the many catastrophic earthquakes (63 B.C., 383 A.D., 1719 A.D., 1755 A.D., and 1761 A.D.) that took their toll on this region, to leave few remaining ancient constructions intact.

For ecology aficionados, the region encompasses two prominent, nature preserves: Parque Natural do Sudoeste, Alentejano e da Costa, Vicentina and Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.

Noteworthy cities in the Algarve region include Albufeira, Faro, Monchique, Villa Real de Santo Antonio, Portimao, and Vilamoura.

Algarve affords the visitor some interesting fare including frango piri-piri (grilled chicken covered with a spicy sauce) and Cataplana ( steamed seafood mix with bacon, chicken, and pork).

Algarve Tours, Portugal

Cultural Seville City TourCultural Seville City Tour

Take a day out to discover this historic city founded by the Romans on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Guided visit of the magnificent Cathedral (entrance fee not included) dating from the 15th century, the Tower of Gold and Bairro de Santa Cruz, originally the Jewish Quarter of Seville.

You will have free time for shopping and lunch in the city center.

Important Note: Please remember to take your passport as you will be crossing the Portuguese Border into Spain.

Departure Point: Tour departs from selected Algarve resorts between Montenegro and Lagos, including Faro and Albufeira

Departure Time: Tour departs between 5 am and 8 am.

Duration: 12 hours (approx.)

Car Rentals in Portugal

Zoomarine Algarve Zoomarine Algarve

Based on the theme "The Life of the Oceans," Zoomarine is a marine wildlife park which occupies over 8 hectares and has a focus on education and awareness of the conservation of marine life.

Highlights
Ideal choice for families
Close encounter with friendly dolphins

This is a unique sensations on a journey through a world of knowledge and adventure, where adults and children alike will discover the mysteries of marine life in a day full of surprise and emotion.

You have the option of combining an entrance ticket with hotel pick up and drop off from centrally-located Algarve hotels.

A great day of family fun awaits at Zoomarine Algarve.

Unspoilt Algarve: Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Olhao, Santa Luzia, TaviraUnspoilt Algarve: Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Olhao, Santa Luzia, Tavira

"Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you." This is the inscription over the doorway of the bone chapel at the Nossa Senhora do Carmo, which is your first stop today. Continue to the Old Town and the 13th century Cathedral.

Drive to Olhao, a city built under Arabic rule influences and enjoy a visit to the waterfront markets and take a boat cruise through the Ria Formosa. Here you will see the tidal mill, salt pans and fisherman activities.

There is free time for lunch and visits before a drive to Santa Luzia in the afternoon where you will marvel at this picturesque and unspoiled village, known for its fishing activities.

Visit Tavira and the old castle ruins, see the Santa Maria do Castelo Church and the famous 4th century Roman bridge, before returning to your hotel.

Historical Algarve: Silves, Monchique, Lagos, Sagres Historical Algarve: Silves, Monchique, Lagos, Sagres

The first destination on your Historical Algarve Tour is Silves. Here you will visit the impressive Moorish Castle dating back to the 11th century, and the 12th century Cathedral.

Next take the opportunity to admire Monchique, a typical village located in a scenic range of rounded hills where you will have free time for shopping for local handicrafts.

Continue on to Lagos, a town linked to the Portuguese Discoveries. Join a guided visit of the Antonine Museum within the Golden Chapel of St. Anthony, the slave market and the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Before returning to your hotel, explore the village of Sagres, its fishing harbor and Cape St Vincent.

Monchique and Silves Sightseeing Tour Monchique and Silves Sightseeing Tour

Discover the ancient city of Silves where you will visit the impressive Moorish Castle dating back to the 11th century, and the 12th century Cathedral.

At Foia, the highest point in the Algarve there is some great opportunities to capture magnificent views of the Algarve on film, so don't forget your camera.

Next you will continue to the typical village of Monchique located in a scenic range of rounded hills. In Monchique you will have free time to spend shopping for local handicrafts such as woven baskets, traditional Roman stools, and the famous local cured ham, Presunto de Monchique.

Shopping Tour to Quarteira Market Shopping Tour to Quarteira Market

Quarteira is a bustling town, with an attractive seafront promenade and busy fish market.

On this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to see the real gypsy market of Quarteira Market.

Explore all of the stalls and haggle with gypsies for the best buys - the locals say the best buys are cotton goods, footwear and pottery, so don't hesitate, this is your chance to practice your bargaining skills.

On the return drive you will pass through one of the largest tourism developments in Europe and visit Marina de Vilamoura.